These bacon-wrapped dates are an irresistible snack: medjool dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese, wrapped in bacon, baked until crisp, then finished with a drizzle of hot honey. The balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy makes them perfect for parties or a cozy night in.
This is my go-to appetizer when I want something easy but impressive.
This recipe is simple, fast, and packs a lot of flavor. Each bite is savory, sweet, creamy, cheesy, crunchy, sticky, and a little spicy from the hot honey—so many textures and tastes in one small package.
I’ve made bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed dates for years, but the game changer is drizzling them with hot honey right after they come out of the oven. The warm honey melts slightly over the crisp bacon and soft goat cheese, creating a sticky, spicy-sweet finish that elevates the whole snack.
They’re perfect for New Year’s Eve, holiday gatherings, or as an appetizer any time you want something that feels special without much effort. You don’t need fancy ingredients—just dates, bacon, goat cheese, and hot honey.
I sometimes make hot honey at home, but it’s widely available now at many grocery stores. If you prefer, flavored goat cheese—like a chipotle or herb variety—works wonderfully for a different profile.
Here’s how I prepare them:
- Slice each medjool date lengthwise without cutting all the way through, then remove the pit.
- Stuff each date with a small spoonful of goat cheese. A flavored goat cheese can add another dimension if you like.
- Cut bacon slices in half and wrap one half-slice around each stuffed date. Don’t overlap the bacon too much—the goal is a single layer that crisps up. Secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange the wrapped dates on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C). Bake for about 10 minutes, flip the dates, then bake another 10 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. Rotating them once or twice helps ensure even crisping.
- Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with hot honey. Serve warm.
Quick Tips
- Use medjool dates for their size and tenderness—easier to stuff and more satisfying in a bite.
- Half a slice of bacon per date crisps faster and prevents sogginess. Secure with toothpicks for easy flipping and serving.
- Flip the dates halfway through baking to crisp all sides.
- Drizzle hot honey while the dates are still hot so it melts slightly into the goat cheese.
These are dangerously good—one of those appetizers you can’t stop eating. They please a crowd, travel well to gatherings, and look beautiful on a platter despite being so simple to make.
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Hot Honey Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates
20
dates
20 mins
20 mins
40 mins
Ingredients
- 20 medjool dates
- 10 slices bacon
- 4 ounces goat cheese
- hot honey for drizzling
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Slice each date lengthwise without cutting all the way through and remove the pits. Spoon goat cheese into each date.
-
Cut bacon slices in half and wrap one half around each stuffed date. Secure with a toothpick and place on a baking sheet.
-
Bake for about 10 minutes, flip the dates, then bake another 10 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and browned. Rotate as needed for even crisping.
-
Remove from the oven, drizzle with hot honey while still warm, and serve immediately.
Enjoy—these are the kind of appetizer everyone asks for seconds of.